Jacob Bailey, OG, Big Ten All-Freshman Offense- The redshirt freshman from Carmel, Indiana started six games for the Hoosiers and filled in nicely on a banged up line. His performance gives hope to the Hoosiers that the offense will continue to improve.

Antonio Allen, S, Big Ten All-Freshman Honorable Mention- The true freshman safety played in seven games with one start before injuring his knee against Michigan. He recorded 35 total tackles, 1.5 TFL’s, and a fumble recovery. If healthy, Allen will start in place of the departed senior Greg Heban next season.

Raphael Green III, DT, Big Ten All-Freshman Honorable Mention- Green won Freshman of the Week honors for his performance against Ohio State. On the season the defensive tackle racking up 25 total tackles, 4.5 TFL’s, a forced fumble, and two blocked kicks. Green’s performance late in the year should bolster Hoosier hopes for building a solid defense.

Darius Latham, DT, Big Ten All-Freshman Honorable Mention- As a true freshman he played in all 12 games, making 22 total tackles, three TFL’s, three pass deflections, and added a fumble recovery. Latham and Green should make for a nice defensive tackle combo down the road to anchor this Hoosier defense.

Clyde Newton, LB, Big Ten All-Freshman Honorable Mention- Newton started the last three games of the Hoosiers’ 2013 campaign and played in all 12 games. He played well tallying 32 total tackles, one TFL, as well as .5 sacks. Newton looks the part at linebacker and will only continue to get better as his career goes along.

Marcus Oliver, LB, Big Ten All-Freshman Honorable Mention- Oliver played a big role off the bench down the stretch for the Hoosiers, giving them some much needed depth. He played in 11 of the 12 games in 2013 accounting for 37 total tackles, 2.5 TFL’s, and two forced fumbles. Oliver also gained 20 yards on two kick returns.

Wes Rogers, C, Big Ten All-Freshman Honorable Mention- The freshman center played in five total games this season, starting against Illinois and Wisconsin. He did an admirable job filling in for the regular starter Colin Rahrig. Rogers gives the Hoosiers even more young depth along a depleted offensive line.

T.J. Simmons, LB, Big Ten All-Freshman Honorable Mention- Simmons started all 12 games at middle linebacker for the Hoosiers in 2013. He held his own as a true freshman, tallying 68 total tackles, 3.5 TFL’s, a sack, and two pass deflections. Simmons is built like a Big Ten backer and while he did have some growing pains this year, he will be a force down the road.

Hoosier fans should be encouraged by the nominations for the young Hoosier defenders. There is a lot of young talent on this defense and if Coach Wilson and his staff can continue to get better talent this defense will improve.